Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at HCA

Jesus said, “Let the Little Children Come to Me”, Matthew 19:14

Children ages 3-5 and the Kindergarten program, visit the Atrium in small groups to explore and reflect on their relationship with Jesus Christ. They listen to readings from the Bible to help them dive deeper into the work and like Jesus, our Good Shepherd. Children work individually with natural materials that will lead them to prayer, faith development, and a better understanding of Mass. They begin to spiritually relate themselves to their family, church community, and the greater world around them. 

Children will learn about:

• The Liturgical calendar
• The Liturgical colors for each season
• Baptism
• Parables: The Mustard Seed, Good Shepherd, Advent, Lent, 
• Maps of the World, Israel, and the City of Jerusalem
• Mary as the Mother of Jesus
• Prayer and Personal Reflection
• Daily Life Skills

Children visit the Atrium weekly. The atrium (or prepared environment) is one of the important elements that help the relationship between God and the child to flourish. After a theme has been presented, the child is free to choose an activity that will make possible the inner dialogue with the Holy Spirit.

“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field. It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when fully grown it is the largest of plants. It becomes a large bush and the birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches” Matthew 12:31-32

For more information on the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program, please visit: https://www.cgsusa.org/